By MATT PIKE
As the National Weather Service issues an extreme heat warning throughout this week, local cooling shelters are opening to help residents beat the heat.
An excessive heat warning is in effect until Friday at 9pm, with heat indexes between 105 and 110 degrees throughout the week.
Cooling centers in St. Joseph include branches of the St. Joseph Public Library, Rolling Hills Library, the Salvation Army, and three branches of Northwest Health Services. Emergency Shelters for residents include Community Missions' My Brother's House, The Salvation Army Booth Center, and the YWCA Shelter.
Along with cooling centers and emergency shelters, the United Way of Greater St. Joseph is also distributing fans to those in need to help stay cool in the heat. Fans are being distributed at four different locations
- United Way of Greater St. Joseph: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 118 South 5th St. Contact: 816-364-2381
- InterServ: 1 p.m to 3:45 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday, 5400 King Hill Ave. Contact: 816-238-4511
- Northwest Missouri Community Services: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1203 North 6th St. Contact: 816-364-1131
- Salvation Army: 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, 602 Messanie St. Contact: 816-232-5824